Timely Hits Propel Monarchs To Road Win

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WINNIPEG, Manitoba — Entering their longest and most grueling road trip of the year, the Kansas City Monarchs knew they had to set the tone in the series opener.

They did just that on Friday night, coasting to an 8-2 win over the Winnipeg Goldeyes at Shaw Park.

The Monarchs collected 16 hits, all singles and doubles on a night when the wind was blowing in from right field.

Outfielder Dylan Rosa was 4-for-5 for Kansas City in the victory, his first career four-hit game. Second baseman Justin Wylie finished the night 3-for-5 with three RBIs.

“We have so much depth on our team, and it’s a testament to [manager] Joe [Calfapietra] creating a great clubhouse, great culture,” Wylie said. “We have, one throuugh nine, guys that can do damage and help the team win.”

On the mound, Brandon Finnegan and Matt Hartman combined to throw all nine innings for Kansas City.

Finnegan allowed two runs over five innings of work to get his second win of the season. He gave up six hits and three walks, striking out six.

Hartman faced the minimum over the final four innings to earn the save. A ninth-inning walk was his only baserunner.

Kansas City jumped out to an early lead and didn’t look back. Up 2-0 after two, they scored four in the third, all with two out.

Gavin Collins knocked in the inning’s first run with an RBI single. He’s driven in a run in eight of his last nine games.

Keon Broxton followed Collins up with an RBI double, and Wylie brought them both home with a two-run single. He’d later add an RBI double in the fifth inning.

“I’ve been making a few mechanical adjustments, approach adjustments at the plate,” Wylie said, adding that it had come to fruition over the last several games.

Winnipeg starter Luis Ramirez allowed seven runs on 12 hits over five innings of work, walking one and striking out three.

Brynn Martinez drove in both of Winnipeg’s runs with a two-run double in the fourth inning.

Chris Herrmann brought the game to its final score with an RBI single in the sixth. He finished the night 2-for-4 with two RBIs, including a first-inning sacrifice fly.

“We have so much high level experience. Everybody’s trying to pick each other’s brain,” Wylie said. “It allows all of us to use our talent to win games.”

Josh Vincent threw the final four innings for Winnipeg, allowing one run.

UP NEXT

The Monarchs look to clinch another series win Saturday night against the Goldeyes. First pitch from Shaw Park is scheduled for 6 p.m. Central. Dalton Moats will start for Kansas City.